Views of nurses and midwives working in primary healthcare services on intimate partner violence against women

Background Violence against women is a global public health problem. Primary healthcare services and health workers play an important role in managing this problem. The aim was to identify barriers and facilitators to the identification and management of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women presenting to primary healthcare services from the perspective of nurses/midwives, and to identify the challenges and needs to improve practices. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study, in which semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 nurses/midwives working in primary healthcare services. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis approach through an inductive process. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used to ensure comprehensive reporting of the protocol for this qualitative study. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) detection of intimate partner violence, (2) nurses'/midwives' current practices, (3) barriers to identification and management, and (4) needs. Conclusions Primary care nurses/midwives in this study perceived that they were not responsible for the detection and management of intimate partner violence, and a majority reported they did not want to take an active role. However, those who were willing to engage in the detection and management of IPV required sufficient time for patient consultations, a reduced workload and a separate room with suitable physical conditions. It is recommended that nurses/midwives be provided with training on IPV detection and management at specific intervals, and studies be conducted to evaluate the outcomes of such training, and initiate the professional decision-making process of nurses/midwives to effectively identify, respond to and support individuals affected by IPV.